Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Then preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F. This temperature allows you to cook it evenly while doing well with the sauce caramelization.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken legs in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer so that the sauce can evenly coat each piece.
If you’re doing wings or ribs of pork, change the cooking time:
Wings may take less time to cook (40–45 minutes).
Pork rib pieces can take longer (around 90 minutes or more, depending on thickness).
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
To a medium bowl, add and whisk:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup honey
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Give a good stir until the sauce has mixed through.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Drizzle the sauce all around over the chicken legs in the baking dish.
Use a spoon or basting brush to make sure each piece is well-coated. Leave the sauce so it pools a bit around the chicken, so you can baste while baking.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Oven rack position: middle Preheat the oven to 375Fº: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour.
Optional: Halfway through cooking, use a spoon to lift sauce over the chicken for added flavor, and caramelization.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
After about 30 minutes, check on the chicken:
If the sauce is getting too thick or starting to burn, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Cover with the foil for the final 10–15 minutes of baking so the sauce caramelizes.
Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
After taking the chicken out from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the sauce to set.
We like to serve with your choice of sides, e.g.
Steamed rice
Roasted vegetables
A fresh salad
Bathe the chicken in its rich, caramelized glaze—it’s great for dipping and drizzling over your sides!
Serving Suggestions
Classic pairing Serve with steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the sticky sauce.
Vegetable Sides: Goes well with roasted broccoli, glazed carrots or a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
A Game-Day Feast: Add these chicken legs or wings to a party platter with sliders, fries and a creamy dipping sauce.
Bread Option: A crusty side of bread or dinner rolls is great for mopping up the extra glaze.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken (with sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight then reheat.
Reheating
To reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 min, or until warmed through. Tent with foil so it doesn’t dry out, and spoon on extra sauce over the chicken to keep it moistened.
Variations
Spicy Twist: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a jolt of heat.
The Ginger Boost: Grate a little fresh ginger root into the sauce for an extra note of heat and flavor.
Citrus Spark: Squeeze in a little fresh lime or orange juice in with the sauce for a zesty, vibrant kick that brightens everything up.
BBQ Fusion: combine equal parts ketchup and barbecue sauce for a rich, smoky flavor that packs serious depth.
Herbaceous Finish: Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or even green onions, to finish your stew with a burst of freshness and aroma, just before serving.
Conclusion
Make for the Caramelized Baked Chicken Legs or Wings. The sticky, sweet, and savory glaze creates a deliciously crave-worthy caramelization that takes the humble chicken leg (or wing) from merely fine to restaurant playbook-level. Whether you’re making it for casual supper or a festive gathering, with this recipe, you’re sure to score raves.
So preheat that oven, assemble your ingredients and savor the irresistible aroma of caramelized goodness filling your kitchen. You’re about to make an unforgettable dish that’s dead simple. Enjoy!
